Loving An Addict
There are many people in the world who have fallen victim to addiction. With so many options that are readily available to individuals with a $5 or $10 bill.
Heroin
Crack
Meth
Opioids
Coke
Alcohol
Gambling
Smoking
Not to mention the medically prescribed medications that people gain and then sell to make ends meet… which worsens the issue on both ends of the spectrum.
For seven years I have loved a man who had fallen victim to this issue. At the time we met his drug of choice was pills and then moved to meth. He is currently clean and going through therapy. I could not be prouder of him.
However, the struggle that comes with the worry is never ending. For him as well as for me. He is constantly worried about falling back into that life and losing his family, and I am constantly worried for his wellbeing.
It is hard for me, since I have never done a narcotic outside of a medical prescription before. I cannot relate to cravings and stressors. No matter what I read on the internet, how many documentaries I watch or support groups I find… it never seems like enough to know what he is really going through.
I have found that there are things I can do and learning new things every day.
Listen to what he has to say.
Give him space when the occasion calls for it.
Aid to his requests if he feels it will help.
Remind him of how proud I am of him.
Ask him what I can do.
Continue to love him...
These things may seem simple and globally known, but it’s worth stating.
Many addicts are unaware of how their addiction is affecting the ones that love them until they get clean. That’s not something to hold against them. No matter how hard that may be. Remember to love and care for them but do not enable them to continue their downward spiral.
If you need an ear to listen… I’m always up for a chat.
Everyone out there is struggling with something. Addiction, medical ailments, abuse, mental illness and various other things. You just never know. Go out of your way to be kind to others, keep your negative comments to yourself and always think about your words before you say them.
🧡 Shine Bright, Kayla
Copyright © 2022 Kayla Tackett